Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula?
Doula is a Greek word meaning “servant”. We prefer the gentler translation of “Mothering the Mother”. Doulas love birth and babies and honor this time as an important rite of passage in a family’s life.
Birth doulas, or childbirth assistants, are trained professionals who serve the birthing person and their partner. A doula supports families in achieving the birth they desire, whether at home, a birth center, or the hospital. A doula facilitates labor and birth by providing continuous physical and emotional support. They encourage informed consent for all decisions by offering objective, balanced information, and always respects whatever the family decides. In addition, a doula facilitates communication between the laboring person, their partner, and their care provider. While the doula is an advocate for choice and voice, the doula does not speak for you or your partner.
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Postpartum doulas are trained professionals who support the family during the postpartum period, also known as the puerperium and the "fourth trimester," refers to the time after birth when the physiologic changes related to pregnancy return to the nonpregnant state. In these first six (6) weeks after birth, a postpartum doula can provide families information and support on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new parents. They might also help with light housework, fix a meal and help incorporate an older child into this new experience. Work with a postpartum doula may be invaluable to a family's adjustment to to this new chapter of life.
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A Full-Spectrum Doula is trained to assist families in the "full-spectrum" of reproductive care including birth, postpartum, miscarriage/loss, and abortion.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
Doulas are non-medical birth and reproductive professionals trained to provide emotional, informational, and physical support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period immediately after birth.
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Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) provide MEDICAL care for you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.
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I go into further details about the difference in providers in The Divine Mama Doula Complete Childbirth and Postpartum Training for the Modern Family which all of our clients receive.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
Birth:
According to The Cochrane Review, hiring a doula to attend your birth means you are:
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26% less likely to give birth via cesarean section
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41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
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28% less likely to use any pain medications
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33% less likely to express dissatisfaction with your birth experience
In addition, the presence of a doula:
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reduces the need for labor augmentation with pitocin
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shortens overall length of labor
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enables partners to participate with confidence
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reduces the incidence of maternal fevers in labor
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decreases the incidence of postpartum depression
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increases successful breastfeeding
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lessens reports of pain at 24 hours postpartum
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enhances health of infants as measured 6 weeks postpartum
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improves a family’s satisfaction with the birth experience
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facilitates increased parental sensitivity and better infant bonding
Postpartum:
When a woman receives ample postpartum nurturing from a doula, she has:
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better sleep
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improved digestion
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greater milk supply
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a positive breastfeeding relationship with her baby
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reduced incidence of postpartum blues and depression
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less household stress and worry
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confidence and peace of mind
If my partner is with me, why do I need a doula?
First-time parents often feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information they have learned in preparation for birth. Birth can be a powerful emotional journey for both parents. It is comforting to have a knowledgeable doula present who can answer questions in an objective, nonjudgmental manner.
For all couples, regardless of whether they have birthed before, there is tremendous benefit. A doula can create space for the birthing person’s partner to participate at her/his comfort level, reducing anxiety. Because doulas understand the normal processes of birth, they can reassure partners who may be perplexed by unusual birth behaviors. In addition, even prepared partners may be surprised at the intense work of assisting a laboring person. A doula can relieve the partner when they become tired, thus ensuring the birthing person has continuous support.
Studies show that partners participate more actively during labor when a doula is present. Rather than replacing a loving partner, a doula encourages the partner and enhances her/his ability to provide comfort.
Do I have to be a Medi-Cal recipient to receive your services?
No!
While The Divine Mama Doula Project was created in service to families receiving Medi-Cal, our services are available to EVERYONE. You DO NOT have to be a Medi-Cal recipient to work with us. We can customize a package that works for you and your growing family.
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Simply reach out to us to learn more. We would love to help you along your journey!
How many appointments do I get?
That all depends on you and your family's needs. The Divine Mama Doula Project recommends at least four (4) total visits with your doula : two (2) prenatal (including one to be had at 37 weeks gestation), birth attendance, and one postpartum visit.
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Medi-Cal patients are approved for up to eight (8) doula visits. Let's chat and create a package that is perfect for your family's needs.
Can you help me find other prenatal resources?
Yes!
The Divine Mama Doula Project is all about community and connecting our families with tools and local resources to improve their quality of life is a key component of our service.
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Our mission is to grow the circle of care of established organizations, providers, and businesses with an emphasis on those that are local, BIPOC, Trans-, and/or Women-owned.
Must I have a "natural" birth at home or in a birth center to work with a doula?
No! Doula care is valuable at each and every birth. A doula will support your birth choices completely and without judgment, even if you change birth plans mid-stream. Doulas believe strongly in informed decision making, so your doula will supply you with unbiased information if you need it. All birthing people are treated with love and respect.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. While our doulas prefer in-person appointments, we do offer virtual appointments as an option for one of your prenatal or postpartum options. Your doula can help you best decide what is the best option for your family.
Can I get a free consultation?